Carver board keeps solar project on hold

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The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted last week to uphold a cease-and-desist order that halted construction of a commercial solar project on Great Meadow Drive. In April, the town’s building commissioner revoked the building permit that had been issued to Borrego Solar Systems, while crews were preparing for the installation of 4,160 solar panels. The order was issued after town counsel determined that the project did not comply with a newly adopted bylaw banning large-scale commercial solar projects in residential areas. Borrego appealed, saying that the project had been approved prior to the adoption of the bylaw. To challenge the zoning board’s decision, Borrego would have to take the town to court, potentially leading to the first judicial interpretation of a state law that prevents communities from unreasonably denying solar projects. The company said Monday that it was evaluating its options before deciding whether to file an appeal.